Is It Time for a New Hairbrush? Here's How to Tell

06.16.2025

A great hair day often starts with the right tools, and your hairbrush is one of the most important among them. While it may not get as much attention as your shampoo, styling products, or heat tools, your brush has a powerful impact on the health, shine, and manageability of your hair. But here’s the big question: When was the last time you replaced your hairbrush?

If your answer is “I’m not sure,” you’re not alone, and it might be time to give your go-to brush a second look.

1. Your Brush Is Visibly Dirty or Worn

Take a look at your current hairbrush. Do you see:

• Hair tangled between the bristles?
• Product buildup or lint stuck at the base?
• Bent, broken, or missing bristles?
• A loose or cracked handle?

These are all red flags. Hairbrushes collect not just stray strands but also natural oils, styling product residue, dead skin cells, and even dust. Over time, this buildup can be transferred back onto your clean hair, making it look dull, greasy, or weighed down.

Regular cleaning can extend the life of your brush, but if yours is looking a little worse for wear even after a good scrub, it’s probably time to replace it.

2. You’re Seeing More Breakage Than Usual

One of the less obvious signs your hairbrush needs to be replaced is an increase in breakage or hair shedding. Old or damaged brushes can snag or tear at the hair shaft, especially if the bristles are sharp, melted, or worn down.

If you’ve started noticing more hair in the brush or on the bathroom floor, it could be a sign that your brush isn’t gliding through your strands as smoothly as it should. At Rizzieri, we often remind clients that healthy hair starts with gentle handling.

3. Your Brush No Longer Matches Your Hair Needs

As your hair changes, whether due to a new color treatment, added extensions, a fresh haircut, or simply seasonal shifts, your styling tools should evolve with it.

Here are a few examples:

• If you’ve gone from straight to curly, a vented or paddle brush may no longer work for detangling.
• If your hair is now chemically processed, a gentler, boar-bristle brush may be better suited to prevent further stress.
• If you’ve added volume with layers or extensions, a round brush might help maintain your new style.

Need help figuring out what brush works best for your current cut or texture? Ask your stylist during your next visit to Rizzieri, we’re always happy to guide you.

4. It’s Been More Than a Year

Even if your brush looks fine, it may still be harboring unseen wear and tear. Most stylists recommend replacing your hairbrush every 6 to 12 months, especially if you use it daily.

Brushes lose their effectiveness over time. The cushioning can wear down, the bristles may weaken, and the tool might stop giving you the results you’re used to. If your brush isn’t styling, smoothing, or detangling like it once did, a replacement could be a simple fix with big rewards.

5. You’re Upgrading Your Haircare Routine

If you’ve invested in salon-quality shampoos, conditioners, and treatments (we see you!), don’t let an old brush undermine your efforts. The right brush can help evenly distribute those nourishing products, reduce damage, and enhance shine.

At Rizzieri, we carry a curated selection of professional brushes designed to support a wide range of hair types and needs. Whether you're looking for a thermal round brush for blowouts or a detangling tool for your little one, we’ve got options that perform beautifully and last longer.

Tips for Maintaining Your New Brush

Once you’ve made the switch, be sure to keep your new hairbrush in tip-top shape:

• Clean it weekly. Remove hair after each use and soak in warm water with gentle shampoo to dissolve buildup.
• Store it properly. Avoid tossing your brush into cluttered drawers or bags where the bristles can get crushed.
• Avoid high heat. If your brush isn’t made for heat styling, keep it away from blow dryers or flat irons to prevent warping.

Ready for a Hairbrush Upgrade?

Rizzieri Salon & Spa isn’t just a destination for gorgeous hair transformations we’re also your go-to for expert advice and high-quality tools. Stop by and speak with one of our stylists about the best brush for your hair type, texture, and style goals. We’ll help you find the perfect match and show you how to get the most out of your new tool.

A healthy brush means healthy hair, treat both with the care they deserve.

Book your appointment today at Rizzieri Salon & Spa. Our Moorestown location can be found in Moorestown Mall at 400 NJ-38 Suite 1440, Moorestown, NJ, and our Washington Township location at 389 Ganttown Road, Sewell, NJ. 

You can feel free to call us at Moorestown at 856-985-1225 or at Washington Twp at 856-582-3750. We also have ways for you to conveniently book with our Moorestown and Washington Township locations online!